"Dear Mary Jane and family, I was saddened to learn of Dave's death. Thinking of him brings a smile to my face and heart. His kindness and generous nature, coupled with that great sense of humor are all too rare. He loved telling his co-workers about his family, and had funny stories to share about everyone. We could tell how much he loved - and was loved by - his big family. May the hole in your hearts be gradually filled with the wonderful memories that you shared with this fine man. You are in my prayers. Lynn Wilson"
In loving memory of
L. David Lyons
March 16, 1946 - November 24, 2016
L. David Lyons, 70, of Carmel, IN passed away on November 24, 2016 of cancer. The son of the late Leo Lyons and Eleanor McGeehan Lyons, he was born and bred in Montclair, New Jersey, where he attended grade school and middle school. He then attended boarding school at Thomas More School in Harrisville, New Hampshire. In 1969, Mr. Lyons received his bachelor's degree in history from Xavier University in Cincinnati, Ohio.
Mr. Lyons began his career in 1971 at Bankers Trust Company in New York where he held senior positions in the World Corporate Banking Department and Global Operating & Information Services Department, serving a broad range of corporate clients. In 1985, he joined Discount Corporation of New York as one of the founding members of their new Municipal Bond subsidiary. From 1990-1999, he headed the Private Bank at Summit Bancorp in Princeton, New Jersey. In 1999, Mr. Lyons joined KeyBank of Central Indiana as President until his retirement in 2004.
Throughout his career and into his retirement, he worked with several philanthropic organizations in various capacities to help them achieve their fundraising and financial objectives. In 2004, he had the privilege of serving on Governor Mitch Daniel's transition team for his first term as governor of Indiana. In 2007, he joined the staff of Providence Cristo Rey High School, a Catholic College Preparatory School for economically disadvantaged students, where he served in various fundraising capacities until his retirement in 2016.
He served on the board of the Indianapolis Chamber of Commerce (Nominating Committee), the Indianapolis Opera (Executive Committee), The Greater Indianapolis Progress Committee, the Crossroads of America Council of the Boy Scouts of America, Boy Scouts of America Advisory Council, the American Heart Association of Central Indiana, St. Vincent Hospital and Healthcare Center Board and the Board of Governors for the Heartland Film Festival (Executive Committee, treasurer). He was a member of The Hundred Club of Indianapolis and the Indianapolis Convention and Visitors Association. He was recognized in the 2002 Indianapolis Business Journal "Who's Who" in Indianapolis and served on the Host Committee for the National Governors Conference hosted by Indianapolis in 2003. He co-chaired the 2000 Heartland Film Festival; the 2000 Boy Scouts Governor's Luncheon, the 2001 American Heart Walk for Indiana, and along with his wife, Mary Jane, served for three years as Honorary Co-Chair of the Little Sisters of the Poor Annual Gala.
Above all else, Mr. Lyons treasured his remarkable family and friends throughout his lifetime. He was blessed with too many best friends to count, and above all, he most enjoyed sharing with them the common gift of laughter and good times. He lived a very full life on his terms, always striving to be the man he wanted to be. Mr. Lyons loved the game of golf and the comradery that it invariably promoted, whether with strangers or friends. He was an active member of Crooked Stick Golf Club in Carmel, Indiana and the Montclair Golf Club in West Orange, New Jersey and treasured the memories and friends from both.
He leaves behind his beloved wife of 46 years, Mary Jane (Bittle) Lyons, his two beloved sons, L. David Lyons III (Cynthia) of Weehawken, New Jersey and Christopher Bittle Lyons (Jorja) of Indianapolis, Indiana. He also leaves behind his remarkable and beloved sisters, Catherine Lyons, Ursula "Rissy" Mell, Elizabeth "Budgy" Cunningham, and Virginia "Ginna" Ohlmuller, four brothers-in law and good friends, Don Clark, Dick Cunningham, Ray Ohlmuller and Greg Bittle, as well as 14 nieces and nephews and 21 grand nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his sister, Lenore Lyons Clark, and his brothers-in-law, Daniel Dunn and Jim Bittle.
The family would like to thank Dr. Angela Wagner and St. Vincent's Hospice, Dr. Daniel Milton of St. Vincent's Hospital, Dr. Daniel Wurtz of IU Health, and most of all, Dr. Charles Hasbrook, who was both a friend and mentor over the past several years of his life.
Visitation will be at the Leppert Mortuary in Nora from 4:00 PM to 8:00PM on Tuesday, November 29th. A mass will be celebrated at St. Luke Catholic Church in Indianapolis at 11:30 AM on Wednesday 30th. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in his name and memory to Providence Cristo Rey High School, Indianapolis, IN 46222 (www.pcrhs.org).
Tributes
"For Mary Jane, David and Chris each day will be a bit empty without David's physical presence. Now he is all sarlight. He will bewith all of us in spirit and encouraging us all not to take life too seriously but to be joyful each day and thankful for our many blessings. David was a joy to be around and always wnated others to be happy. How fortunate that you guys got to be with him for as long as he was able to stay here. Now he is part of the stars and shining down on all of us as we share a laugh just thinking about him. He was part of a remarkable family who will continue to support all of you and help you celebrate his wonderful personality and gift of goodwill that those of us who were so happy to call him friend can recall each day. David wouldn't want tears just a smile and a quip for all who loved him and still do cherish him as positive part of our lives. Much love to you and all of his saddened sisters. RitaB."
"Mary Jane, David and Chris I am deeply saddened to hear about David's passing as I know the Hourigans have always enjoyed sharing the New Jersey and Indiana roots. I know my mother would always look for David on his many rounds at Crooked Stick and his humor was something we all looked forward to hearing on those stops by the sixth hole. Our family is so happy he embraced his Hoosier home and made many ND football games. He will be missed in the Indianapolis community and my heart goes out to our Auntie Riss and her sisters as I know this is a huge loss for the family."
"Dave Lyons is an unforgettable character -- smart, passionate, articulate, and very, very funny. He was the frenetic Louis Prima watched over and kept in check by Mary Jane's calm, cool, collected, and lovingly caring Keely Smith. He was a loyal friend, who valued, cultivated, and maintained friendships over the full course of his life. We lost a warm, bright light in our lives with his passing. We will miss him. Mike & Jeannie Maher Raleigh, NC"
"I will always remember David when he came to my home for breakfast when he was visiting Rissy on vacation from Prep School. So much fun--- but please "no fruit". Always loved his sense of humor, his wonderful smile. My heart breaks for all of you. Prayers. Lovingly, Liz Hourigan "
"I don't think we will ever know the magnitude of Dave's generous spirit. He was always willing to give of his time, energy and advice - with love and humor. He touched so many causes, so many lives. I feel honored to have called him my friend and mentor. My heart goes out to his family! "
"I love you so much Uncle Dave!!! I miss you terribly. You could always make me laugh. I have spent the past two days laughing myself silly thinking of your stories and sayings. I thank God for blessing me with an Uncle like you. I know you are in heaven now cracking everyone up like you did on earth. Say hi and I love you to Gramma and Grampa for me! love you always. Yolee"
"Uncle David....you will be so missed here on earth. Your laugh, your jokes that twinkle in your eye. This world will not be nearly as fun without you here. No one will call me "wacky" again ;) I love you dearly and I know my dad was waiting for his sidekick with open arms. I can hear you two laughing from here. Mary Jane my heart is with you and the boys. Love you!!"